Can I Sell My Used Car Without a Title?

Can you sell your used car without a title? In most cases, the answer to this question is yes. The title is ultimately how you transfer ownership to the new owner when selling your used car. Therefore, whether you can sell your used car without a title will greatly depend upon why you don’t have it. Some of the most common reasons include:

The bank or auto loan provider has the title

You lost the title

Your state does not require a title

Your name is not on the title

The Bank or Auto Loan Provider Has the Title

One of the most common reasons you don’t have the title is you still owe money on your auto loan. This means that the title is either with the bank or the auto loan provider you used. They will typically keep the title until you’ve paid the vehicle off in full.

This does not mean that you can’t sell your used car without a title. It just means you’ll have to take a few extra steps. First, you’ll have to pay the remaining balance on your car loan. You can negotiate a price with the buyer that will pay the loan in full. Once paid off, the title can be released to you and you can transfer ownership. If, however, you sell the car for less than the remaining loan balance, you’ll need pay it off out of pocket. Only then can you transfer ownership to the buyer.

You Lost the Title

You bought the car ages ago and you have no idea where the title is. The great news is that the DMV has a copy of the title on file. You can contact them and ask for a new one. It will be mailed out to you within a week or two, then you can proceed to sell the car. However, if you’ve already started the process of selling the car, see if your local DMV will print the title on the spot.

Your State Doesn’t Issue Titles

If your vehicle is between 15 and 25 years old, it is likely that your state doesn’t even bother with titles for the car anymore. This of course, can make it a bit more challenging to sell your used car.

You still have a few options though. You can try and sell your used car to a buyer in the same state. This would mean that they do not need a title to transfer ownership. You can also consider writing up a detailed bill of sale. This needs to include information on the vehicle, its condition, and contact information and signatures of both parties (buyer/seller). You can then have it notarized as the buyer will need this to register the car in their name.

Your Name is Not on the Title

Let’s say your boyfriend or girlfriend bought you a car and now you guys have broken up. Unfortunately, if they never transferred ownership of the car to you, the car is technically theirs. This is also true if both of your names are on the title. You can’t sell the car without his/her consent. It would be illegal in this case for you to sell the used car without a title. You will need to contact your ex and ask them to transfer ownership. Hopefully, it will go smoothly and then you can sell the car.

Selling a used car without a title can present some obstacles along the way. In most instances though, there is a solution. Wondering if Sell My Car Online would buy your used car for cash without a title? Give us a call today at (855) 929-0828. Depending on your situation, we just might make you an offer.